“Mr October” helps raise funds for SPCA

Long-time supporter Vivienne Hill is one donor who loves spreading the word about her passion for animals and how she supports SPCA to care for them.

While Vivienne doesn’t bake anymore, she wanted to be involved in SPCA’s recent Cupcake Day. Instead of baking cupcakes she used a cat face cookie mould and made a variety of chocolate moulds which she sold at her retirement village’s Market Day. Customers could choose between a white, milk, or dark chocolate cat face mould; and feedback confirmed that as well as being super cute they were also delicious!

In addition to that, to help raise even more awareness and funds, Vivienne also sold 31 cat and 14 dog SPCA 2026 calendars at the village Market Day!

In the 2026 cat calendar, October’s star animal is Rex, Vivienne’s beloved cat. Vivienne credits Rex’s popularity with selling so many cat calendars – “Folks in the Village loved the October page featuring my Rex. He's rather well known and proved to be a good Salescat!”

Vivienne’s commitment doesn’t stop there. She’s confirmed her loyalty to SPCA through leaving a gift in her Will to create a lasting legacy that honours the love and companionship animals have given her. She wants to help ensure a better world for all animals across New Zealand.

Vivienne says, "Over 30 years ago I adopted my first two cats. Since then my life has been continually blessed with the presence of moggies. I became aware that not all animals are fortunate to find a caring home which led to an interest in the work of the SPCA. When it came time to review my Will a gift to the SPCA was an obvious choice. Animals give of themselves unconditionally to humans and deserve the chance of life SPCA can offer. Please do consider this worthwhile choice for a bequest."

We can’t thank Vivenne enough for her kindness and generosity for all the fundraising she does for vulnerable animals and for leaving a gift in her Will to honour the love animals gave her.

Each person’s gift in their Will means SPCA has the chance to help support any animal that comes through our doors. No matter how small the gift, SPCA is always able to put it to use where our Centres need it the most.

Every gift in a Will can be a lifesaver, a warm blanket, security for an animal. Gifts in Wills enable SPCA to continue helping and protecting animals in need.

If you would like to receive information about leaving a gift in your Will, or you would like to let us know you have left a gift in your Will, please do contact us on 021 598 313 or by email to givinghearts@spca.nz. You can also read more about Gifts in Wills for SPCA, including answers to frequently asked questions over at www.spca.nz/legacy.

SPCA is very proud to offer FREE Wills through our partnership with Gathered Here – this enables our supporters to create their Wills with peace of mind of no added costs of the Will itself. If you would like to take up this offer, please go to Create my Free Will

We are happy for you to share this link with family and friends, easing costs for everyone. A gift in your Will to SPCA is not mandatory but would be hugely appreciated and humbling for us. With your help and support, SPCA can continue being the voice for animals in need. Together we will give them a better future.